‘For Men To Talk’ to promote the Stay Alive App as part of NHS Funding

For Men To Talk, the peer support group, based from Potton in Bedfordshire, is delighted to confirm that they have received financial funding from the Mental Health Inequalities Community Grant Scheme which is part of BLMK ICS NHS England Suicide Prevention Funding.

As part of the scheme, For Men To Talk will continue their work, which they have been providing for almost three years, to provide a safe and comfortable environment for men to talk about how they are feeling

“We are delighted to award funding to For Men to Talk for a Health Inequalities Project where there is an emerging risk of self-harm and suicide”, said Public Health Practitioner, Gary Read. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to visit in person to see some of the amazing work that is taking place”.

As part of the funding, For Men To Talk will also promote awareness of the Stay Alive App to support working towards a reduction in suicides locally. 

The Stay Alive app is a pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information to help people stay safe. It can be used if someone is having thoughts of suicide or a loved one is concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.

In addition to the resources, the app includes a safety plan, customisable reasons for living, and a life box where photos can be stored that are important to someone.

Husband and father, Luke Newman, formed For Men To Talk in December 2019, to get men talking about their anxiety, depression and grief. They have physical meetings at ‘The Crown Hotel, Wetherspoon’ in Biggleswade and St Neots Golf Club, weekly virtual meetings via Zoom and a monthly walking event.

“The meetings are very informal”, said Luke. To improve the wellbeing of men, it is important to connect to people. As well as receiving emotional support, it allows men to support others. It helps to build a sense of belonging and self-worth and real friendships have been formed. With the funding received, we can help promote the Stay Alive app, whilst giving men the opportunity to talk at over 100 meetings planned in 2023.”

An attendee of the group meeting added “For Men to Talk has helped me get through some very challenging times by creating a safe area where you can say as much or as little as you want without any judgment or pressure. For the first time in a long time I felt heard and supported by people I’ve never met before”.

‘For Men To Talk’ can be found on their website www.formentotalk.co.uk and social media channels. Luke is also available for any questions on 07709 446480.

Further information on the Stay Alive App can be found at https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app